Seattle police nab 18 anarchists during protest

SEATTLE {AP} Police arrested 18 people during a protest by self-proclaimed anarchists who smashed store windows and clashed with officers.

Most were being investigated for assault, property damage and malicious mischief in connection with Saturday's demonstration, police spokesman Scott Moss said.

A crowd of about 200 gathered in a shopping district and smashed windows at the Gap and Banana Republic stores. No injuries were reported.

Some police officers wore riot gear and used pepper spray to subdue the crowd. Clashes began when police ordered protesters to stay on the sidewalks and not go in the streets.

Police have been more aggressive controlling crowds since February's Mardi Gras riots. One man was killed and dozens were injured.

Seattle gained notoriety in 1999 with the World Trade Organization protests, when demonstrations by tens of thousands resulted in 600 arrests, $3 million in property damage, numerous civil-rights lawsuits and former police Chief Norm Stamper's early retirement.